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Prepping for Preps '21-22: Archbishop Ryan (Boys)

12/06/2021, 1:00am EST
By Josh Verlin

Jason Guarente (@JasonGuarente)
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(Ed. Note: This story is the latest in CoBL’s “Prepping for Preps” series, which will take a look at many of the top high school programs in the region as part of our 2021-22 season preview coverage. As we publish more, the complete list of schools previewed will be found here.)

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Archbishop Ryan was one win away in March. That’s closer than the Raiders came four years earlier. Closer than the program had ever been before.

All things considered, it was a remarkable achievement. Winning a PIAA boys basketball championship is hard and this particular season was an abbreviated, hectic blur.


Joe Zeglinski (above) coached Archbishop Ryan into the PIAA Class 5A state championship game. (Photo: Josh Verlin/CoBL)

They played 18 games in 38 days. There were a lot of back-to-backs and not much practice time. They won 12 games. If they’d won 13, it would have been their greatest triumph.

That’s how it goes in the playoffs. Success and could-have-beens stand together on a razor’s edge.

“It wasn’t a typical year,” coach Joe Zeglinski said. “I credit the kids. They didn’t look back once. They didn’t stop working. They just really came together and they wanted to get that championship.”

Archbishop Ryan fell to Erie Cathedral Prep 69-49 in the Class 5A final at Hershey’s Giant Center. It was the Raiders’ first appearance in a state title game.

They’re about to start the pursuit again, only this time it should be more normal. Instead of tipping off in February, they’ll begin this month. Instead of a COVID-shortened sprint, they’ll have a more conventional three-month marathon.

If they’re going to get back to Hershey, they’ll have to do it without some big names.

Aaron Lemon-Warren, the Class 5A Player of the Year, has moved on to Mt. Zion Prep. Lemon-Warren averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds.

Christian Tomasco, an All-State second team selection, is at Hofstra. The 6-9 center averaged 12.7 points and 7.5 rebounds. Point guard Dominic Vazquez, who contributed 10.7 points and a team-best 4.5 assists, also graduated and is playing at D-III Arcadia.


Jalen Snead (above) is one of several returning seniors for the Raiders. (Photo: Josh Verlin/CoBL)

That’s a lot to lose.

“It’s always going to be tough to replace that type of leadership and scoring they put up night in and night out,” Zeglinski said. “We still have some of those guys who were on the team the previous two years.”

Archbishop Ryan reloads around three seniors who were an important part of last spring’s resilient run.

Jalen Snead averaged 7 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists and brought great defense. Luke Boyd is expected to come into his own as a scorer this season. Snead and Boyd started every game last season. David Wise provided valuable minutes off the bench and will have a bigger role.

“We’re not looking to rebuild or anything,” Zeglinski said. “I think we have the pieces here already with our senior class that has that experience. They’ve played in big games and won big games. Look for those three to lead us on the court.”

Luke Boyd (above) has had a strong offseason in various events for Ryan.
(Photo: Josh Verlin/CoBL)

The sophomore class, including one big new addition, will be vital to Archbishop Ryan’s success.

Thomas Sorber, a 6-8 forward, has transferred in from Trenton Catholic and is receiving major Division I interest. Darren Williams, who saw spot minutes as a freshman, and Jaden Murray are being recruited by Atlantic 10 teams.

Michael Paris, who appeared in every game last season, Derrick Williams, Darren’s brother, and Ryan Everett are other players to watch.

“Our expectations are the same as the last few years,” Zeglinski said. “I think we have the pieces. Every year our goal is to win a PCL championship and state championship. I think we can get it done this year if we continue to do the little things and continue to get better throughout the season.”

Archbishop Ryan has been knocking on the door since Zeglinski, a 2006 alum, took over the program six years ago. The Raiders made the Philadelphia Catholic League semifinals four times. They reached the PIAA semifinals in 2017.

This has become a personal mission for Zeglinski. He’s inspired by the support the community and alumni provide. He wants the Raiders to lift a trophy.

“It’s the reason I came back when the job opened up,” Zeglinski said. “I knew it was a tall task to get that done with all the great players and coaches we’ve had in the history of our school. I knew if we did it the right way we’d give ourselves an opportunity.”

Archbishop Ryan delayed its two-hour bus ride home after losing to Cathedral Prep. The Raiders stayed overnight in Hershey and held a team gathering in the lobby of their hotel.

It was a chance to relax and exhale after a fast-paced ride. They were thankful they got the chance to play at all.

“Obviously after the game there were some tears being shed,” Zeglinski said. “The seniors were hurting a lot. It was tough to see them not bring that state championship home. We talked about it. Our first in school history. We wanted to get it done.”

Archbishop Ryan is ready to try again. One of these seasons the Raiders believe they’ll knock down that door.


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